But this summer, the Mavs were free agency players. They picked up point guards Jose Calderon and Devin Harris, shooting guards Monta Ellis and Wayne Ellington and center Samuel Dalembert. Granted, Harris’ original three-year, $9 million deal will be restructured after it was discovered he needed toe surgery, but Cuban assured all that Harris will be on the Mavs’ roster this fall.

Adding rookie guards Shane Larkin, Ricky Ledo and Gal Mekel, the Mavs finished with a pretty solid summer. Not any marquee players, but players who can contribute in a big way.

With the new players surrounded by returnees Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, Vince Carter, Jae Crowder and Bernard James, the Mavs are positioned to make the playoffs in 2013-14 after missing the postseason last season for the first time since 2000. What they do once they get there is a complete mystery.